Get your tax documents ready before filing season begins

TSHWANE, Gauteng - Tax season officially starts in July, but waiting for the first South African Revenue Service (SARS) notification before gathering supporting documents can make the filing process more difficult.

SARS has announced that auto-assessment notices will be issued between July 1 and July 12. Non-provisional taxpayers may submit returns from July 13, with the filing deadline on October 23.

SARS rolls out phased Filing Season, urges Taxpayers to wait their turn | South African Revenue Service

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is making this year’s Filing Season easy and simple to navigate. With this statement, SARS offers clarity and certainty to taxpayers helping them understand how the process is structured, specifying turnaround times for refunds, verification, and submission.

South African Revenue Service

Before filing begins, taxpayers should ensure they can access their SARS eFiling profiles. An outdated cellphone number, email address or banking detail can delay the filing process if verification is required.

The next step is gathering the documents needed to complete a return. For most taxpayers, this includes IRP5 or IT3(a) certificates from employers, IT3(b) certificates for interest and dividends, and medical scheme tax certificates. Taxpayers who receive rental, commission or freelance income should also have invoices, payment records and other supporting documents readily available.

Not every supporting document is issued as a tax certificate. Depending on individual circumstances, taxpayers may also need a travel logbook, records relating to the sale of property, shares or other assets, lease agreements, financial statements, or receipts supporting commission-related expenses.

Supporting documents do not need to be submitted with a tax return, but SARS may request them during verification. Taxpayers should keep these records for five years after submitting a return.

Preparing documents before filing opens gives taxpayers time to identify and obtain any missing records instead of searching through emails, online portals and filing cabinets after the filing process has already begun.

Having the necessary documents organised before filing opens can make it easier to complete an accurate return and respond promptly should SARS request additional information.

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